When we talk about neighborhood noises, we often think of the noise of your neighbor's lawnmower and other motorized gardening tools, the terrace party they organized for their 40th birthday or the drill they used in the middle of a Sunday.
Daytime disturbances or nighttime noise, there are many misconceptions, and few Luxembourg residents are really aware of their rights and duties. Not to mention the noise pollution from road traffic, construction sites, aircrafts, etc.


Neighborhood noise

In the Grand Duchy, you should know that there is a general Penal Code with regard to neighborhood noises. But many municipalities apply their own rules, which is quite legal in the country.

Thus it is not unusual to read in the municipal regulations that "all noises caused unnecessarily or due to a lack of precautions, which may disturb the tranquility of the inhabitants by their intensity, continuity, nature, consequences or unpredictability, are prohibited in the territory of the municipality X ".

Music, shouting, DIY or gardening, etc.: It is advisable for every resident of Luxembourg to learn about the measures taken by the municipality where they live, against all these noises that may disturb the peace of others. Because each complaint will be treated on a case-by-case basis according to the assessment of the police or the person mandated to ascertain the facts, according to the municipal regulations, and according to the duration, repetition or intensity of the complaint.

If you are a victim of neighborhood noises, start by trying to make a dialogue and discuss an amicable agreement with the perpetrators. If nothing changes, you can send them a simple letter via registered post to remind them of their legal obligations. Then a follow-up letter delivered against a signature in order to have the proof that they have well received it. Finally, you can call the Police or your property management company if you are in joint ownership. The last resort will be to summon the perpetrator before the Police Court or the Justice of the Peace.


Environmental noise pollution

Luxembourg is a small country but there's lot of travelling taking place:

• More than 3 million vehicle trips per year on major highways,
• More than 30,000 annual train movements on major railways,
• And more than 50,000 movements at the airport.

All these movements cause environmental noise that can disturb a significant part of the population and workers. That is why the Grand Duchy has drawn up action plans to fight against noise for each of these problems.

A map was created to identify priority areas that are prone to these noise nuisances. Noise reduction measures and preventive measures are gradually being put in place.

You can find maps and details of the action plan on the official website of the Government www.environnement.public.lu.


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